Minister Andrei Tsekov and H.E. Giuseppina Zarra discussed cooperation for quality construction

Possibilities for cooperation, in order to increase the quality of the construction of important infrastructure facilities for our country, were discussed at a meeting by the Minister of Regional Development and Public Works, Andrei Tsekov, and the Ambassador of Italy in Bulgaria, H.E. Giuseppina Zarra. Deputy Ministers of Regional Development Angelina Boneva and Ivaylo Staykov were also present at the meeting as well as the Minister's Chief of Cabinet Nikolay Saikov. Ambassador Zarra was accompanied by Roberto Santorelli, Chairman of Confindustria Bulgaria.

"Our goal is to increase competition and quality. My desire is to draw from Italy's vast experience in road construction, both in terms of formulating technical specifications and quality requirements, as well as in terms of engineering thought," noted Minister Tsekov. He added that it would be useful for the new leadership of the Road Infrastructure Agency to visit the similar institution in Italy and get acquainted with good practices, which can be implemented in our country to improve the quality of construction.

"The government's focus is on the planning and design of the sites to be built," Minister Tsekov also said. And he reminded that in recent years, foreign companies have been absent from the tenders for major road infrastructure projects in our country.

"From our side, there is a big interest in cooperation. I will work to restore the presence of Italian companies in road construction procedures in Bulgaria. In recent years, the interest of our companies in this sector has decreased due to in-house procedures," said HE. Zarra.

The Minister of Regional Development and Public Works added that the construction of the "Hemus" highway is about to restart. In response to a question about the completion of the route of Transport Corridor No. 8, Andrei Tsekov informed that active work will be done to revive the idea of "Rila" highway, which will serve as a far southwest bypass of Sofia. Progress is also expected on the preparatory procedures for the "Black Sea" highway, in order to be able to proceed with the commissioning of its design and construction next year.

"We need every help that we can get for a strategic approach to regional politics and infrastructure, so that the processes are irreversible," noted the regional minister.

His Excellency Zarra noted that improved connectivity between regions means better opportunities for their development.